Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom

Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom. 

We’re less than two days from Christmas, and the Scripture readings chosen by the Church are starting to give us a sense of just how big God’s plan is.   The coming of his glorious kingdom had been in the works for a long time, and now that it is here, it is meant “for all ages” to come—including ours (Psalm 145:13).

Today’s psalm  gives us one tool that can help us become more aware of God’s kingdom already present in our midst.   It’s pretty simple: “discourse” about it (Psalm 145:11).   Talk about some of the things that you see God doing through his people and through his Church.   These are signs of the “glory” of his “kingdom,” and they can fill your heart with greater hope and gratitude this Advent.

Here are a few examples to help you start:

“Lord, in your kingdom, people’s physical needs are met.   Through the hard work of countless organizations, you feed the hungry, give homes to the displaced, and care for the sick and dying.   There is no vulnerable person that you do not long to fill up and strengthen through compassionate and loving hands.

“In your kingdom, Lord, peace and goodwill triumph over violence and malice.   You inspire families to open their homes for adoption and foster care.   You cause neighbors to rally around struggling community members.   You soften the hearts of parents toward their children, and children toward their parents.   You inspire countless acts of generosity.

“Father, in your kingdom, unity and mutual respect overcome all divisions.   You bring together people of different faiths in common causes to show that we are all your sheep and that you love unity and brotherhood.

“All of this shows what a mighty, loving, and kind God you are.   What a blessing it is to live in a world where your kingdom shines so brightly!”

Try to keep your eyes open for signs of the kingdom around you.   The signs are there so that you can “observe and understand that the hand of the Lord has done this” (Isaiah 41:20).   Keep this up over the next two weeks, and by the time Christmas comes, your heart will feel a little lighter, and your love for God will grow a little deeper.

Word Among Us